The Car Connection Volkswagen Jetta Overview

The Volkswagen Jetta is a compact sedan that has been sold in the U.S. market since the 1980s. In other parts of the world, it's been dubbed the Bora.

In the past, the Jetta lineup has also included a two-door and a wagon. After a hiatus in 2015, the wagon, dubbed "SportWagen," was brought under the Golf nameplate for the 2016 model year.

With the Jetta, VW has a rival for vehicles such as the Ford Focus, Chevy Cruze, Toyota Corolla, and Subaru Impreza.

To better compete, Volkswagen's current Jetta was developed specifically for the American market where it sells best. The Jetta brings firm handling and turbocharged engines to a crowded field where it competes for attention.

For 2017, the Jetta Hybrid is dropped and the rest of the lineup sees a lot of trim changes.

For 2011, Volkswagen replaced the Jetta sedan it had sold since 2006 with a new sixth-generation design—but carried over the smaller German-built SportWagen through the 2014 model year. The new Jetta sedan was lengthened for U.S. customers who demanded greater rear-seat space, and the underpowered base 2.0-liter inline-4 made a return. So did the torsion-beam rear axle from the 1980s and 1990s, letting VW offer a significantly cheaper base price on the simplest Jetta model—a car that very, very few buyers took home.

The current generation of Jetta initially drew criticism for its hard-plastic interior and the painfully slow performance delivered by the base engine, though the GLI model that returned to the fold in 2012 solved both of those problems with its punchy 200-hp turbo-4 and a soft-plastic dash cap (for considerably more money). The nicer plastics and an independent suspension returned to most Jettas by the 2013 model year.

For 2013, VW added a new model, the Jetta Hybrid, which brought a fifth engine (a 1.4-liter inline-4), a fourth transmission, and a new high-end model into the range. Its buyer research indicated that diesel buyers and hybrid shoppers were entirely different sets of people, who proved remarkably resistant to the idea of cross-shopping the other car. The Jetta Hybrid sedan returned an EPA combined gas-mileage rating around 45 mpg, just 10 percent shy of the Toyota Prius—and it's considerably more fun to drive.

The sporty Jetta GLI model is fitted with a turbocharged 2.0-liter 4-cylinder engine that puts out 210 hp, along with the DSG plus a sportier suspension and upgrades to the tires, wheels, and interior trim. No Jetta has been offered with all-wheel drive—it's strictly a front-drive compact sedan.

For 2015, the Jetta received another round of updates, including a new TDI turbodiesel engine with even higher fuel economy and a slight power boost. The car's revised front end is cleaner, and LED daytime running lights were available. Inside, the Jetta got a new steering wheel design, plus reorganized climate and audio controls. Most of the "two-point-slow" models were dropped and a 1.8-liter turbo-4 took its place.

The latest turbodiesel engine had an EPA estimated highway rating of 45 mpg, which nearly closes the gap between diesel- and hybrid-powertrain Jetta models. It’s also 3 miles per gallon better than the prior TDI version on the EPA's highway cycle.

In 2015, Volkswagen admitted the Jetta's turbodiesel engine polluted more than allowed by U.S. laws. The diesel version of the Jetta was pulled from dealers' lots and from VW's lineup.

Safety was a big focus of the mid-cycle refresh. Because of ever-evolving crash-test procedures, cars like the Jetta are receiving structural reinforcements to improve their standing. Those updates have already earned the 2015 Jetta the coveted Top Safety Pick+ award from the IIHS as well as five stars overall from the NHTSA. The 2015 model also receives some new safety options, such as blind-spot monitoring, a forward-collision warning system, and adaptive headlights that aim where you're steering.

For the 2016 model year, the Jetta finally lost its base 2.0-liter 4-cylinder, in favor of a stronger and completely modern 1.4-liter turbocharged 4-cylinder. Power is up from 115 to 150 horsepower, and the new engine was used for most models. The 1.4T engine comes with six trim levels spanning S. SE, and SEL. There's also a 1.8T Sport model, a Jetta GLI 2.0T high-end performance version, and the Jetta Hybrid as well.

In 2017, the slow-selling hybrid was dumped and the model line streamlined.

Volkswagen Jetta history

For 20 years now, the Volkswagen Jetta has offered a classic sedan design and sporty German road manners and driving feel. These days, about the oldest models on used-car lots will be the third-generation cars that were launched in 1993. Smaller than today's Jetta sedan, they performed well and were a step up in refinement from earlier generations. The base engine (which amazingly is still in use today) was a 115-hp, 2.0-liter four, but engines ranged all the way up to a 174-hp, 2.8-liter narrow-angle V-6 in the special VR6 models, which provided 0-60 mph times of less than 7 seconds and authentic sport-sedan credentials.

The fourth-generation Jetta, which appeared in 1999, shared underpinnings with both the Golf and the newly-launched New Beetle. A new 1.8T engine, the 1.8-liter turbo four—originally rated at 150 hp, later upgraded to 180 hp—was more fun to drive than the base 2.0-liter four and got better real-world gas mileage to boot. The VR6 engine remained on the books, with power increased to 200 hp, but the 1.8T was a better bet, cheaper, less complex, and more popular. The 1999 car and its descendants were the first ones that really cemented the Jetta's reputation for first-class interior materials that outshone any other compact car. Some models of the fourth-generation Jetta suffer from reliability problems, though, so do your research carefully.

The fifth-generation Jetta arrived for 2006, a larger car overall with staid styling that was a German hallmark at the time. The cabin was again a home for high-quality craftsmanship and materials, and the size increase also allowed for a real adult-sized rear seat. A 150-hp, 2.5-liter five-cylinder became the base engine, providing more output but making little impact on performance or fuel economy, partly because it weighed more than the 2.0-liter. The in-line five was helped by the six-speed auto, with a comfortable freeway cruising attitude. Other changes to this generation also improved ride quality and overall refinement.

Jetta wagons were offered in the fourth generation—from 2001 through 2005—and then re-introduced for 2009 onward. The wagon was a big seller when fitted with the TDI turbodiesel, which delivered a combined EPA fuel-efficiency rating above 30 mpg—owners often found that real-world mileage was considerably higher.

The TDI was also available on the Jetta sedan as one of several engine options. Through 2006, the TDI was a 1.9-liter unit, and then it went on hiatus until 2009, when a new, 140-hp 2.0-liter TDI diesel returned to the lineup in both body styles. Its transmissions included a 6-speed manual and VW's superb 6-speed automated manual transmission.

stick transmission still geared to tight 1 gear still the same shift to soon..

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Brakes as not as good as i would like,1st gear still the same must shift to soon but still like the car

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April 28, 2015

2015 Volkswagen Jetta Base

its a great car.

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design is sleek, interior is very nice, the features could be better, and fuel economy is pretty good

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April 9, 2015

For 2015 Volkswagen Jetta

WORST CAR YOU CAN PURCHASE

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This being my first big purchase, I am FURIOUS with what I got myself into. I was already hesitant in purchasing a Volkswagen because of all the mixed reviews I heard about it, however, i decided to go with it...
This being my first big purchase, I am FURIOUS with what I got myself into. I was already hesitant in purchasing a Volkswagen because of all the mixed reviews I heard about it, however, i decided to go with it and purchase the 2015 SE Volkswagen Jetta. This has been one of the worst decisions I have ever made in my life.

I purchased this car back in December of 2014 and ever since then, I have had FOUR rental cars. I REPEAT, FOUR. Probably going to be my 5th one this week because I HAVE TO GO BACK TO THE DEALERSHIP FOR ANOTHER PROBLEM.

Let me give you a list of problems that have occurred. PLEASE KEEP IN MIND THAT THIS CAR WAS BRAND NEW AND STILL IN THE WRAPPING WHEN I PURCHASED IT.

1. Rattling noise coming from my dashboard
2. Key range not working properly (I had to stand right next to my car to be able to lock it. Sometimes, I would have to walk back to my car because my car would not lock when I was just about 20 ft away).

First (within 2 weeks of purchasing the car) dealership visit: They detected the rattling noise and said they would fix it (Was given a rental car). I addressed the issue of my key to them, and the dealership (a local dealership in City of Industry, not where I purchased my car) told me that was the range of the Volkswagen Jetta and in the end, they made me feel stupid and look like a fool. It still didnt seem right to me, so I took it in to the dealership where I purchased my car (City of Orange) and they actually said something was wrong with my key detector and that they would order a new part for me. WHY WOULD THE OTHER DEALERSHIP TELL ME THATS HOW THE JETTA WORKS? OBVIOUSLY NOT.

Second (within a month of the car purchase) dealership visit: My car is push to start, and sometimes, it would not start properly and the engine would not start. However, this would happen at random times. When I took it to the dealership, it was working properly so they couldnt do anything about it. I had another problem with my speakers. It sounded like my speakers blew out and would make a crackling noise. I did not blow out my speakers because I would not turn my volume/bass up for I was aware of speaking blowing out easily. They detected it and "replaced" my speakers because they said it was ripping inside. Again, I was given a rental car.

Third (couple months later) dealership visit: My speakers started making the SAME crackling noise after they said they had "replaced" my speakers! I took it back in and they "replaced" my speaker, once again. AGAIN, I was given a rental car (THIS IS MY 3RD RENTAL CAR BY NOW).

Fourth visit: When I went to go RETURN my rental car for the THIRD visit, as I was sitting in my car, I had a feeling my engine would not start properly (as mentioned before), and WHAT DO YOU KNOW? IT DOES NOT START PROPERLY. I was able to get it on a video recording and the technician guys were able to witness that as well. So what now? THE DAY I WENT TO RETURN MY RENTAL CAR, I LEFT WITH THE SAME RENTAL CAR. HOW RIDICULOUS IS THAT?

FIFTH VISIT: THE RATTLING NOISE IS BACK AND MY CAR DOES NOT START PROPERLY AGAIN. WILL HAVE TO GO IN AGAIN NEXT WEEK.

SERIOUSLY? Has anyone heard of a situation like this? I HAVE ALREADY PAID OFF MY CAR AND RECEIVED THE PINK SLIP FROM THE DMV. I COMPLAINED AND SAID I WANTED A BUY BACK OR SOMETHING AND THEY TELL ME SINCE ITS NOT A SAFETY ISSUE, THEY CANT DO ANYTHING ABOUT IT? WHO THINKS THIS IS REASONABLE?

THIS IS THE MOST RIDICULOUS AND REGRETFUL PURCHASE THAT I HAVE EVER MADE. I WOULD NOT RECOMMEND VOLKSWAGEN TO ANYONE. I REPEAT, I DO NOT RECOMMEND VOLKSWAGEN TO ANYONE. SAVE YOURSELF THE TIME AND MONEY. I'VE WASTED SO MUCH TIME, MONEY, AND GAS GOING BACK AND FORTH TO THE DEALERSHIP. HOW MUCH MORE RIDICULOUS CAN THIS GET? IM NOT USUALLY THE TYPE TO COMPLAIN BUT THIS HAS GONE TOO FAR. + More »